Today’s top restaurants emphasize sustainability, seasonality, and local sourcing — reflecting a national appetite for innovation and authenticity. Over 72% of Canadian diners now say they prefer restaurants that prioritize locally sourced food and eco-conscious practices, according to Restaurants Canada.

Despite inflationary pressures on household budgets, what Canadians spend on eating out rebounded strongly post-pandemic. According to Statitics Canada, Canadians spent an estimated $95 billion at restaurants in 2023 — up 12% from 2022.

Each year, Canada’s 100 Best releases its list of the top restaurants nationwide — and Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver all have restaurants in the top 10 — but to get the most out of any meal, you need to have a plan.

Get the most out of your fine dining experience

Whether you’re splurging at one of these restaurants to celebrate an occasion or you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of every dining experience.

Here are five tips to help.

Ask for recommendations

With high-quality food, you can expect service to match, so don’t be shy to ask the waiters for their opinion or ask questions about the menu. By asking your server — who knows the chef’s strengths — you can get their take on menu favourites as well as off-menu suggestions.

Book ahead

Top restaurants in Canada often book up weeks (and months) in advance. Use platforms like OpenTable or Resy for the best availability. If that doesn’t work call the restaurant directly to reserve with as much advance notice as possible.

Use a high-reward credit card

Earn while you indulge. Consider cards that offer top-tier rewards for dining out.

Consider set menus or chef’s tasting menus

Often, this is the best way to explore a restaurant’s philosophy, with courses curated to showcase seasonal ingredients and culinary creativity.

Splurge on dessert

If fine dining is a once-a-year type of event for you, don’t hold back! You won’t blow your budget by indulging in dessert and a glass of wine or a cocktail.

The best fine dining experience from coast to coast

Each year, Canada’s 100 Best releases its list of the top restaurants nationwide. In the 2024 edition, Toronto’s Alo retained its crown as the No. 1 restaurant in Canada — for the seventh year running. Montreal’s Mon Lapin jumped to No. 2, reflecting the city’s growing wine and small-plate movement. Vancouver’s St. Lawrence rounded out the top three.

Here are some of the best restaurants in major Canadian cities and areas, according to Canada’s 100 Best.

The best fine dining in Calgary

Chef Darren MacLean, a contestant on Netflix’s The Final Table, heads Shokunin, a Calgary favourite. The menu displays the chef’s love of Japanese cuisine, featuring yakitori, eggplant and goat cheese tempura, bison tataki, and sake-infused cocktails.

Top 3 fine dining restaurants in Calgary:

• Major Tom at No. 23 — this sky-high restaurant offers premium beef, impeccable cocktails, and stunning skyline views
• Shokunin — Run by Chef Darren MacLean (of Netflix’s The Final Table), it blends Japanese technique with Canadian ingredients. Features yakitori, bison tataki, and sake-forward drinks (No. 50)
• Eight— Only eight seats, one seating per night, and a constantly evolving tasting menu. Chef Darren MacLean’s second spot, it’s invitation-only and focused on sustainable Canadian cuisine. A unique, bucket-list experience

Bon appétit

Canada’s fine dining scene gets better every year. As menus are always updated to reflect what’s in season, don’t miss the chance to try new and exciting dishes and to show your support to Canadian chefs and restaurant staff that help make your dining experience exceptional.

Article on: Money.ca